Archive for March 2016

NEW YORK, NY (March 9, 2016) – Undefeated rising star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and former world champion Chris Algieri went face-to-face for the first time Wednesday at a press conference at Gallagher’s Steakhouse in Manhattan as they discussed their Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC showdown taking place Saturday, April 16 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Also in attendance Wednesday was former world champion Steve “U.S.S.” Cunningham, who takes on cruiserweight world champion Krzysztof Glowacki, and undefeated 2012 U.S. Olympian “Sir” Marcus Browne, who faces undefeated Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Star Boxing, start at $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting http://www.ticketmaster.com, http://www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday:

ERROL SPENCE JR.

A lot of people have been asking me when I was going to fight top competition. When you look good in the ring, nobody wants to fight you. Established guys don’t want to fight you, so I want to thank Chris Algieri for taking this fight.

It would be a major statement if I could stop Chris Algieri. He’s been in there with hard-punchers so I’m looking to make a statement about my power. Especially for me being a young contender, it would just show everything I have in my arsenal and where I’m going in my career.

I’ve never envisioned it this way, but my team always told me to be patient and everything will come on time. Now I’m here in the NBC main event.

This is a very important fight. Chris Algieri is a tough fighter. All of his fights have been exciting and we’re looking to make it exciting and one-sided. I’m looking to dominate the whole fight.

From watching Algieri, I know he has good footwork and likes to box. Recently it seems like he’s become more aggressive and standing his ground a bit more. I’m ready for either style.

I don’t really care if I get tested. I want to perform and show my skill set. I’m going to answers a lot of questions people have in the ring.

I know I’ll be the next big star in boxing. I just have to stay grounded, do what I’ve been doing and listen to my team. The sky is the limit.

I want a world title this year. I want the winner of the Kell Brook vs. Kevin Bizier fight. I would definitely go to the UK. I’d fight any of the champions, but I can’t look past Chris Algieri. I’m 100 percent focused on him.

My career is a process. It doesn’t happen overnight. For me, fighting on this platform and getting my story out is a good start. It’s about what I do in the ring, I have to look spectacular and get the knockouts.

Everybody should tune-in or get your tickets. This is going to be a fight for the history books.

CHRIS ALGIERI

It’s exciting to be back in the main event on the world stage. I take every fight very seriously and I prepare my best each time. It’s just another day at the office.

I’m looking forward to working extremely hard and being as prepared as possible. I’ve never picked who I step in the ring with. My job is to prepare, fight and win. On April 16 that is exactly what I’m going to do.

I’m honored to be on a card of this magnitude. I’m looking forward to seeing everybody come out for a great night of fights.

Every fight going forward is about winning and moving towards a welterweight title. Every fight is one step closer to getting my opportunity. This win over Errol Spence Jr. will propel me into fights with the biggest names.

I have to beat everybody who is in front of me. That’s what this fight is. Spence is just another guy in the welterweight division. I’ve always said I’m willing to fight the top guys in my weight class and whether he’s the top guy now or will be one day, it doesn’t matter.

I’m looked at as the veteran here, but I’m a young veteran. I have a ton of experience and I think that will propel me for the rest of my career.

Spence hasn’t fought anyone. I don’t think he’s fought a guy who’s tried to win. To label me as a gatekeeper against someone who hasn’t made real fights isn’t really a fair distinction.

He’s done all his work against guys who were tailor made for him to beat up. He hasn’t fought a guy with footwork or a guy who can box. He hasn’t fought many guys who were in there to win. It will be a really eye-opening experience for him and a lot of people on April 16.

I’ve had some of my best performances at Barclays Center and it’s an honor to be back. I feel that arena brings the best out of me.

STEVE CUNNINGHAM

I won both of my world titles overseas. Guys like Glowacki grew up watching me fight in their home countries. He’s frothing at the mouth to get at me. Sometimes the meal that you want isn’t a good one for you. I’m going to upset his stomach really good.

It’s going to be a good fight. I come intelligent and I come to fight. I’m going to make other 40-year-olds jealous when everyone sees the work that I do. I’m going to be prepared mentally, spiritually and physically.

I’m prepared to fight in any environment. My first title defense was in Marco Huck’s hometown. I went into the lion’s den. It’s all experience. I have a great range of experience and knowledge that helps me in the ring.

It’s great to be on a card with guys like Errol Spence Jr. and Chris Algieri. I’ve seen these guys grind. I watched Errol in the Olympics and I’ve fought on the same undercards as Algieri. It’s awesome to be a part of this.

A fight is a fight. Age doesn’t matter to me. Only thing that really means something is the opponent. When you get in there with your plan, the opponent matters less as you break him down.

When I first started, my motivation was to make money for my family. My motivation is always changing though. I believe I was born to do this. I love working out and pushing my mind and body to the brink. Most of all, I just love challenges.

I’m is a cruiserweight. My camps are always like seven or eight weeks, but I’m always in the gym. My team is great at making sure I’m ready and peaking at fight week.

I’m training in Philadelphia and living in Pittsburgh. There’s great work in Philadelphia and that’s why we’re staying there this time. It’s the perfect place to train for this fight.

MARCUS BROWNE

There’s never been a champion from Staten Island and that is the goal. I want to become the first from Staten Island.

I’m always happy to be back at Barclays Center. I’m on a great card and I’m ready to breakout and move beyond the prospect label. I’m ready to display my talents against an undefeated guy.

Come April 16 I’m going to do what I do best. I really want my hands to do the talking on fight night.

I’m motivated because I came from nothing. I’m hungry to be a world champion, but not just a world champion. I want to be a legend.

We’re mostly training in Staten Island but we’ll go to California to train at The Rock Gym in Carson, California. We’re going to get some really good work out there.

It’s very important to look good, but I’m not putting any extra pressure on myself. We will look good on April 16 though.

This is boxing. This is what it takes. You have to beat guys like this to get to the next level. This has been a long time coming.

I’m blessed to be in the position I’m in. I haven’t made it yet and I won’t tell myself that I did. I can’t let myself get comfortable.

I’m not worried about what my opponent is bringing. I’m just worried about what I bring into the ring.

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

This is a great show and I’m really proud to be promoting it. These are three real fights with their own terrific storylines.

Rising super star Errol Spence Jr. is as talented of a kid as I’ve seen come on the scene in 10 years or so. That’s how much talent I believe he has. That being said, he hasn’t faced a guy like Chris Algieri. Who is a guy who can do anything in the ring and is a former world champion.

The fact that Errol is stepping up and that Chris is willing to face Errol says a lot about both guys. These are two confident champions. The winner of this fight will make big money very quickly.

Glowacki is coming off a Fight of the Year candidate bout and now he’s going to have to face a man who was a cruiserweight champion himself, in Steve Cunningham.

Marcus Browne, an undefeated Olympian at light heavyweight, will face a strong undefeated fighter in ‘Hot Rod’ Kalajdzic. Marcus is confident in his road to superstardom and hot rod will try to derail that train.

These are three good competitive fights for the fans.

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment

On the heels of a spectacular night in January, we return for another great night at Barclays Center. This will make our 17th boxing show. We are the home of professional boxing now.

It’s our second PBC on NBC event and I’m thrilled to have Errol and Chris in our ring. We expect a lot of Long Islanders to take the LIRR to Barclays Center.

Marcus Browne has the most fights at Barclays Center. Even though he’s from Staten Island, we consider him an honorary Brooklynite.

The undefeated Philadelphia native put on a clinic, breaking down his opponent from the opening bell until referee Gary Rosato stepped in to protect a defenseless Matano (16-2, 5 KOs) at 2:24 of the seventh round. Williams (23-0-1, 14 KOs) utilized a steady diet of combos, jabs and body shots in the middle rounds to weaken Matano and set up the big shots to close the show in the seventh.

Williams landed 59 percent of his power shots, including a staggering 76 percent in the deciding seventh stanza.

Julian Williams:

Maybe people will think they saw a chink in the armor tonight.

Maybe guys will come out from under the rock and get some of this West Philly work.

Jermall has been watching my performances. Him and his brother know exactly who I am. He needs to fight or vacate now. He needs to step up, but he’s already laying his groundwork and making excuses.

Step up and fight me. It’s two of the best junior middleweights in the world. It’s about greatness. I want to be great. All of you turkeys at 154 pounds, let’s fight.

After the fight, Marcello Matano took issue with the stoppage:

He was pretty fast with his jab, but I felt like I was just getting into the fight.

I felt the punch, but I felt like I could have kept going. I have a warrior heart and I never want to quit.

I’m going to go back to Italy and take a little rest; then I’ll be right back in the gym. It was a wonderful experience coming here to America. I got to fight a top-echelon fighter and I feel like I belong.

The 35-year-old “mini-Mike Tyson” plowed forward from the opening bell until the TKO at 0:33 of the 10th. The 6-foot Douglas had no answer for his 5-foot-4 opponent, a Brooklyn-based native of Georgia who is looking to become the first world champion from the former Soviet nation.

Khurtsidze (32-2-2, 21 KOs) hurt Douglas (19-1-1, 13 KOs) with a big left in the opening seconds of the third round, sending the 23-year-old face forward through the ropes. Somehow, Douglas recovered from the first knockdown of his career and fought himself back into the fight. The Washington, D.C., native rallied to win the fourth and the fifth rounds, and the all-action sixth could have gone either way.

Khurtsidze opened the seventh with a monstrous one-punch left to floor Douglas, who again somehow survived the round on failing legs as Khurtsidze threw over 100 total punches. Khurtsidze, who showed unbelievable stamina to push the pressure throughout, started the 10th with a relentless attack, forcing referee Benjy Esteves to stop the fight at 0:33 of the tenth round with Douglas defenseless against the ropes.

Avtandil Khurtsidze:

I knew he was going to get tired (yet Khurtsidze took the fight on less than three weeks’ notice). I felt like I was going to catch him. He’s a good fighter, but he’s not strong.

I knew he was going to be hungry. But I also knew that I was going to beat him. It was short notice but I did everything I could in the time we had. I stayed in the gym and stayed sharp.

Douglas had entered the fight as a fast-rising 160-pounder on the cusp of a title shot.

Antoine Douglas:

I feel OK (to SHOWTME Sports analyst Steve Farhood after the fight). He definitely dictated. He definitely had a better day today. It’s not discouraging; we just weren’t able to execute. Naturally, I’m crushed. It’s back to the drawing board.

In the opening bout of the telecast, middleweight contender Tony Harrison looked impressive in a sixth round TKO over former world title challenger Fernando Guerrero.

Harrison (23-1, 19 KOs) was the aggressor from the outset, jabbing at range to set up his favorite weapon – a powerful right. The Detroit native floored Guerrero with a big right with 15 seconds to go in the second round. The southpaw got up, but looked hurt and was saved by the bell.

Guerrero (28-4, 20 KOs) had his moments in the fourth and fifth rounds after some heedful advice from his corner, but he couldn’t get inside to escape Harrison’s powerful right. It was a clean left hook midway through the sixth that ultimately finished Guerrero. After Harrison dropped Guerrero with the left, the Dominican Republic native beat the count but had no legs and went back to the canvas after four more consecutive shots from Harrison, forcing referee Gary Rosato to stop the bout at 1:56 of the sixth.

Tony Harrison:

I threw punches back and I finished the rounds stronger than him (Harrison landed 57 percent of his power shots). I dominated the fight. My dad kept telling me to put the hook behind the right hand and if I had listened to him better I could have gotten the knockout much quicker.

I was backing him up. My game plan was to take advantage of the fact that southpaws don’t fight well going backwards. I tried to just keep putting him back and discouraging him. I told everyone I was taking the fight to him. What’s not to like about me? I’m exciting.

I want big fights, I want to go back to Detroit and I want the Willie Nelson rematch.

Fernando Guerrero:

I wasn’t on today. He wasn’t faster than me, stronger than me or more skilled. I just locked up. I wasn’t listening to my corner, I didn’t do anything tonight.

It just happens. Sometimes you have a bad day. Today was as bad as I could ever imagine.

We’ll go back to the drawing board. I didn’t do what I was supposed to do. We trained so hard. He wasn’t as fast or strong as we thought he’d be. Today was a bad day for me to have a bad day.

He obviously has a dream, and I have to respect his dream. It’s my job to break his dream.

No one wanted to fight me. But this guy accepted it, he came here and he’s in my way.

This is the biggest fight of my life. I win this and I fight for a title this year.

People don’t want to see us dance around for 12 rounds. They want to see action.

We opened camp on Nov. 9. We’ve been waiting for this fight and now it’s finally here.

MARCELLO MATANO

My dream has always been to fight for the world title. Now, I’m almost there.

People may not be familiar with me, but champions can be born everywhere.

On paper, Williams is a better fighter, the favorite. But will he be able to translate his skills in the ring? That’s the question. I will be the more active fighter. I’ll push the action and frustrate him.

ANTOINE DOUGLAS

We’re coming to win. With the work we put in, we’re ready for anyone. We prepare the same way.

I just plan to go out there and win. Any guy with two hands is dangerous. We just have to fight out fight.

This guy is so aggressive it’s going to hurt him. We know he’s going to keep coming but we’re going to keep our hands in his face.

I haven’t made it yet. I’m still hungry. I know I need to win this fight to move on to the next step, to get my shot at the title.

AVTANDIL KHURTSIDZE

We’re going to be aggressive. Once he feels the power he’s going to change his game plan. Once we take his jab away it’s going to be difficult for him.

This is a huge opportunity for me. I have to win. Losing isn’t an option.

There’s never been a world champ from Georgia. If I win this fight, I’m that much closer to becoming that first champion.

I sparred with Marcus Browne, (Ievgen) Khytrov, (Sergiy) Derevyanchenko. We had a great camp and now we’re ready to fight.

Mike Tyson is my favorite fighter. I model my style after him.

TONY HARRISON

I don’t want to leave any questions. I don’t want to go 10 rounds with Fernando Guerrero.

I want to be back to where I was before I lost. To get back where I was, I have to win impressively. I think winning this fight gets me back to where I was.

FERNANDO GUERRERO

I haven’t felt this good mentally and physically in a while. I’m more well-rounded now.

This is my natural weight. When I was fighting at middleweight I was always the smaller fighter.

Tony has some speed and he was a real good amateur, but I’m a veteran professional. I’m going to take him out of his comfort zone.

BETHLEHEM, PA (March 3, 2016) – Undefeated top contender Julian “J-Rock” Williams and Italy’s Marcello Matano went face-to-face for the first time Thursday at the final press conference before they meet with the IBF’s No. 1 spot at 154-pounds on the line this Saturday, March 5 live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, PA.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $100, $75 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available HERE at http://www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

JULIAN WILLIAMS

I want to thank Matano and his team for coming all the way over here. We’ve had a difficult time getting opponents for different reasons, but I’m excited to headline this stacked card.

When I win this fight I’ll be able to accomplish my dream of being a world champion. It’s one step closer.

I’m going to attack the head and body as much as I can. I’ve got enough film on him to see what he’s got. He’s pretty solid. He got better each time out. But those guys in Italy don’t have the skills that I have. I think he’s going to bring it for as long as he can handle it.

He’s an awkward fighter. He’s definitely a boxer and he can be a little skittish in the ring. I know I’ve fought the better competition and I’ve trained my hardest for this.

I’m ready to make a statement. I’m not worried about a knockout. However the win comes, it’s great. I’m just looking to win and beat him down.

I’m expecting a good Philadelphia crowd to be out here supporting me. Ninety percent of my career I’ve been on the West Coast and other places. But now fighting in front of my hometown fans, there’s nothing better. It’s perfect.

MARCELLO MATANO

I feel very good. I’ve been here since Friday so I have gotten used to the time zone difference and I’m ready to fight. My American experience is just starting and I’m looking forward to it.

It’s been a hard two months of training for this fight. This is by far the most important fight of my career so I’ve trained even harder than I usually do.

I know that Julian Williams is a top-notch athlete and that he is coming to give his best, just like I am. It’s going to be an exciting fight because we both want to get to the top.

I can adapt myself to any opponent. I can be a boxer or I can be a brawler. But in my heart, I am a warrior and I will come forward all fight. I am coming to leave that ring victorious.

This is a dream come true to come here to the United States. I’ve always worked hard and it’s gotten me here. I will put all of my heart into the ring on Saturday night.

ANTOINE DOUGLAS

You can always look forward to an action-packed fight when I step into the ring. I have an admirable opponent who I know is coming to fight.

I’ve grown into this role and into who I am. If you asked me earlier in my career, I would have never thought I’d be here. This is great and it comes from all the hard work I’ve put in over the years.

You will see my growth Saturday night in the ring. I plan on being victorious. The work I put in won’t let me be any less than that. I’m looking forward to the action.

I have a very strong opponent and I think it will make for a more exciting fight than Sam Soliman.

I just always have to be prepared for whatever is thrown at me. This is boxing – there are no guarantees. We just have to be prepared for everything and do our best.

The styles of Soliman and Khurtsidze are completely different, but we always base our offense and defense off a fighting at range and working the jab. I’m not going in blind – I’ve faced opponents who come forward. We’ll be ready for him and ready to make the adjustments in the ring.

A win on Saturday will definitely put me in a position for a title shot. We just take it day-by-day. It’s not about looking at future opponents. We take each step successfully and see where it puts us.

AVTANDIL KHURTSIDZE

I’m very happy to be here and I’m grateful for the opportunity. I’m fighting a very strong fighter. Once I step into the ring I’m expecting a good challenge and I can’t wait for Saturday night.

Douglas is a good fighter. He’s a good boxer and he has a good left hook. But none of that means anything until you get in the ring.

Once I step into the ring, I will bring 100 percent. I am not going to stop swinging until Douglas goes down.

FERNANDO GUERRERO

We’re ready to fight. We had a great training camp and there’s not too much to say. It’s warrior time.

I’ve been through my ups and downs, but I’m still here and I’m not going anywhere. This is for my whole nation, everyone in the Dominican Republic who is watching. You have to step in that ring for something.

This isn’t a game. This is the only sport that you cannot play. I’m going to make this one of those fights that will be one of the best of the year. It will either be the best knockout or the best fight of the year. This is going to be memorable.

This is the kind of opponent who will bring out the best of me. Everybody has to watch out for me. I’m coming to make a statement on Saturday.

Philadelphia, PA (March 2, 2016) – Julian “J-Rock” Williams (21-0-1, 13 KOs) held a media workout on Tuesday in Philadelphia at James Shuler Boxing Gym as he prepares to put his undefeated record on the line in a 154-pound world title eliminator this Saturday, March 5, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION® main event pits Williams against Italy’s Marcello Matano (16-1, 5 KOs) as part of a tripleheader live from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $100, $75 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available HERE at http://www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

Here is what Julian and his trainer, Stephen Edwards, had to say Tuesday:

JULIAN WILLIAMS

I am extremely focused. There is a lot at stake this Saturday. I am finally in the position I wanted to be in since turning pro.

I have come to a conclusion that if people don’t have to fight Julian Williams then they won’t. It hasn’t been that frustrating though because I always have a fight on the books. I can’t worry about the people who won’t fight me. I just have to stay ready and put myself in the mandatory spot. That’s what I am going to do on Saturday night.

It’s never any challenge fighting at home. I know exactly what I have to do. I don’t cut any corners in camp. The biggest challenge is the waiting because I am so anxious to get in there and get a win, especially in front of my home crowd.

I always knew I wanted to pursue a boxing career, so I treat it like I want it. I’ve been dreaming about this for a long time and my opportunity is finally here.

I’ve been a student of the game since I started watching boxing. I want to learn and I want to know everything about boxing.

It means everything to have my biggest fight to date in my backyard. I know my fans cheer loud and it feels great to have their support in my corner.

I know everything about my opponent. I probably know what kind of toothpaste he used this morning. I searched high and low for videos of Matano. I am ready because I know he is ready.

He is a little bit awkward. He seems to have a really good gas tank. He said he wants to take me the distance, so we’ll see.

The last fight solidified the things that I already knew about myself. I know I am fundamentally sound and I know I am the hungriest fighter in the world.

I always want to put on an explosive performance. It’s always about a win.

In about nine months, Philadelphia will have its fourth IBF super welterweight champion after David Reid, Robert Hines and Buster Drayton.

STEPHEN EDWARDS, Williams’ trainer

We are ready. It’s been a long four-month camp. We thought were going to fight in January, so we’ve been grinding through this rough weather early in the morning. Julian is chomping at the bit and ready to rock ‘n roll.

We thought we were going to fight Austin Trout in December, and he saw that Julian gave his opponent a concussion and said I don’t want to fight him. It’s just that simple. We have to get past Matano and then we can talk about (super welterweight champion Jermall) Charlo.

Anybody with two hands and a heartbeat can fight. Matano is ranked and just because he isn’t well known, it doesn’t mean he can’t fight. He is 16-1 and they didn’t have a hard time convincing him to take the fight. The best soldiers are volunteers. Any time someone willingly comes to someone else’s country, you have to take him seriously.

I don’t want to make a prediction, but Julian will hurt this guy very bad.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 29, 2016) – Four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner and 140-pound Ashley “The Treasure” Theophane hosted a press conference at the W Hotel in Washington, D.C. to announce their world title showdown on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike taking place Friday, April 1 at the D.C. Armory.

Mayweather Promotions President Floyd Mayweather was on-hand along with representatives from About Billions Promotions, HeadBangers Promotions, Spike and the D.C. Boxing and Wresting Commission to talk about the exciting night of fights coming to our nation’s capital. Also on the dais, was platinum recording artist Rick Ross, a friend of both Mayweather and Broner.

Also featured on the PBC on Spike telecast is rising star Robert Easter Jr. against former world champion Algenis Mendez,plus top prospect Gervonta “The One” Davis in a super featherweight showdown against Mexico’s Guillermo Avila. In addition, local undercard fighters Anthony Peterson, Kareem Martin, Patrick Harris and Demond Nicholson were in attendance to discuss their hometown bouts.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by About Billions Promotions and Mayweather Promotions in association with HeadBangers Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit http://www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations or call (800) 745-3000. The event is sponsored by Corona.

Here is what the participants had to say Monday:

ADRIEN BRONER

This is really a big fight for me. I know that Ashley Theophane is going to come to fight, because he has something to prove. He’s going to try to take my world title.

A lot of people told me I wouldn’t be here. I come from nothing. Like cereal and water nothing. I’m very fortunate to have someone like Floyd to look up to. I don’t want to be like Floyd though, I don’t want to be like any man. I admire him and respect him, but I’m creating my legacy.

At the end of the day, Floyd and Ashley aren’t on my side. I’m against them. They’re coming to dethrone me. They’re my enemy right now and I’m going to beat Ashley down.

This training camp, I’ve really been perfecting my craft. This is going to be the best performance of my career. It’s going to be a highlight reel performance. I’m not coming to just get a win.

This fight isn’t going four rounds. That’s too many. This is going to be quick. I’m not playing.

There’s nothing Floyd can teach [Theophane]. At the end of the day, it all goes out the window. The trainers and entourage can’t help. They can’t help Ashley Theophane.

I want everyone to come out. Big brother Floyd Mayweather is gone, everyone else is too boring, so I’m taking over the sport.

ASHLEY THEOPHANE

There are many different thing we’re working on to neutralize Broner and keep up with his quickness. I’ve sparred with a lot of young guys who imitate him and I believe I can match him.

He does a lot of things right and a lot of things wrong. Adrien Broner can be beat and he has been. We’re working hard. At the end of the day this is my career-defining fight.

We all turn pro to become a world champion. I’ve been in the gym for months, working on things and staying in shape.

I’ve watched Adrien Broner in the past. I was at the John Molina and Shawn Porter fights and I know he’s got talent. But he can be beat. He’s vulnerable, very vulnerable.

It’s not just about what you do in the ring, but it’s also about being a mature fighter. He’s going to do what he does and as a grown man, I just have to stay calm. Being the more experienced fighter is a position I like.

I’m representing Floyd Mayweather. He has my back and he believes in me. He believes I can win and that’s extra motivation.

I want to be the best I’ve ever been. I want to fight the fight of my life on April 1. I don’t want to turn the clock back. I want this to be the best performance of my career.

It’s been a long journey as a professional and I have to thank Floyd for giving me this chance. April 1 is going to be a war. Adrien is a warrior and I know he has no quit in him. If you have a dream, you have to work hard to make it come true and that’s what I’m here to do.

ROBERT EASTER JR.

I’m thankful to everyone who put me in this position. I will give everyone a shot like I always do.

I consider D.C. one of my hometowns and I’m coming to give everyone a show. This is a blessing and a tremendous opportunity.

I want a world title and this is another big step on my way towards that goal. To be able to do it on Adrien Broner’s card just guarantees it’s going to be a big night.

I’m just ready to show off my skills and make a name for myself so that I can continue to grow in this sport.

GERVONTA DAVIS

I’m definitely excited to fight in DC. This is where my first professional fight was. I’m so thankful to Barry Hunter for letting me train with him and helping me toward this opportunity.

I have a great team. Especially Floyd Mayweather, who has taken me in and taught me so much about boxing but also about everything outside of the ring. I’m blessed to have his support in my career.

April 1, it’s going to be an action-packed fight. I will be a world champion one day. You don’t want to miss this one.

ANTHONY PETERSON

This is my 38th fight, going for my 37th victory and fourth knockout in a row. Boxing isn’t something you talk about, you just do it. That’s what I’m going to do April 1st. It’s going down.

I made my pro debut on a Roy Jones card, which was another big stage. So I’m very ready and blessed.

I’m coming to give my hometown fans the knockout. Boxing is like jazz, the better it is, the less it’s appreciated. A knockout will get you praise.

I’m targeting everybody in the division. I want a belt. The first one to step up, I’m going to take care of him.

FLOYD MAYWEATHER

I’m happy to be here and I truly believe this will be a very exciting fight. Adrien is a very young and explosive fighter. He’s a force in boxing right now.

Ashley Theophane is a guy that came from the UK with a dream. His dream was to be world champion one day. Same dream I had. He’s a very humble, hungry and dedicated fighter.

I don’t think this is going to be an easy fight for Adrien. I’ll tell both guys to push themselves to the limit and give fans what they want to see.

Gervonta Davis is someone I look at like a son. I met him in 2014 and they said this is the next big thing. Broner brought him to my gym to let me see him work. He’s a very explosive kid. He’s exciting and he will be fighting for a world title soon after a couple more bouts.

I want to thank Adrien for giving him the chance to make his dream come true. I believe Adrien will continue to put on exciting fights and a good show. You’re still learning, it’s all a process.

Adrien and Gervonta have great teams. The Baltimore and D.C. area has some extraordinary talent and the trainers are unbelievable. I’m not biased, I feel like whatever a fighter is comfortable with, that’s whom a fighter should be with.

Mayweather Promotions isn’t rushing, we’re taking it one step at a time. I would love to see some of these guys break my records. Records are meant to be broken. I’ve done everything I can do in the sport. I’m blessed to share the stage with these young guys.

Ashley is working with a great trainer in Nate Jones. He’s a former Olympian and a guy who has a great boxing mind.

DC isn’t a good city, it’s a great city. We couldn’t choose a better place to have the fight. I believe that this will be a sold out event. I’m going to work to make sure everywhere you look in the city, you will see Adrien Broner and Ashley Theophane.

RICK ROSS, Platinum Selling Record Artist

I’m not only a friend of the boxers, but I’m also a friend of the sport. This is my favorite sport. I believe this is the sport of gladiators. This is where men, with ambition and sheer will stand-alone.

Me and my friend Adrien Broner, will be doing some exciting things in 2016. I’m here to let everyone know on behalf of the hip-hop community, that we’re supporting this fight. April 1, ‘The Boss’ will be in the building.